Wednesday, January 10, 2024
The triumphant wrap-up of the 2023-2024 Crucian Christmas Festival is joyously honored by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals.
In its 71st year, the annual festival kicked off on December 26 in Frederiksted Village, showcasing beloved cultural events like the Prince, Princess, Dutch, and Duchess Show, Queen Pageant, and Soca Monarch. This edition introduced the inaugural Kid Ville event, dedicated to honoring the island’s youngest residents.
Nightly village entertainment commenced on December 29, featuring International Cultural Night and seven days of free concerts with top local and international acts like Cool Session, Charlie Aponte, Destra, Nadia Batson, Adam O, Capleton, Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, Karnage, and Dexta Daps.
The Frederiksted Pier hosted the annual Food Fair, where Crucian cuisine, from patties to seafood, took the spotlight. The war of tarts reached new heights as guests voted for their favorite among coconut, pineapple, and guava.
From Thursday to Saturday, the streets of Frederiksted were alive with local and visiting revelers for J’ouvert, the Children’s Parade, and the Adult Parade. Attendees and participants, adorned in cultural costumes, celebrated the vast Caribbean heritage of the island.
Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, expressed, “This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival concluded a remarkable 2023 for our territory and launched 2024 as a year filled with the continued elevation of the destination.”
Commissioner Boschulte added, “I am proud of the collective efforts of our community members who ensured the success of this annual celebration. Special thanks to the Division of Festivals for setting new benchmarks in elevating the territory’s festivals and celebrations.”
The twelve-day celebration ended with a post-parade fireworks display followed by Uber Soca Night in Frederiksted Village, featuring international Afro Beats star Davido and Caribbean Music Awards Soca Performer of the Year Mr. Killa.
Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals, commented, “This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival showcased the rich culture of St. Croix, from pageants to the food fair, J’ouvert to the parades.”
The festivities continue with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Three Reasons to Fete, moving to St Thomas Carnival from April 28 to May 5.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
